A police motorcycle officer trying to intercept a car travelling at almost 150kmh on the Bruce Highway on Sunday was pelted with tools and full bottles of drink, forcing him to give up the chase.
Barry Leddicoat

Every police motorcycle will hit the highways

POLICE will target drivers on Queensland's busiest highways from today as families travel home to start the school year.

The M1, Bruce, Cunningham and Warrego highways will be dotted with marked and unmarked police cars as well as "every police motorcycle in Queensland".

More than 90 police motorcycles will support marked and unmarked police vehicles in the highly visible operation spanning from Coolangatta to Cairns and west to Toowoomba and Warwick.

Commissioner Ian Stewart said he wanted people to begin the school year on a high.

"Operation Plow will see our total fleet of motorbikes as well as other highly visible traffic vehicles across Queensland hit the highways and send a clear message to drivers," he said. "Police will be specifically targeting drivers doing the wrong thing and putting themselves and others at risk by speeding, drink-driving or being distracted while driving."

A one-day blitz yesterday followed a similar operation on December 20 when 486 traffic infringement notices were issued including 299 for speeding, 47 for using a mobile phone while driving and 13 seatbelt offences.

Police will maintain a strong presence on Queensland roads throughout the long weekend as people attend Australia Day celebrations.

Acting Police Minister John McVeigh also warned revellers against creating mischief over the Australia Day long weekend.

He said officers across the state would be targeting anti-social behaviour, proactively patrolling public spaces, foreshore parks and organised events.

"We want all Queenslanders to enjoy Australia Day in a safe environment and not have their celebrations spoiled," Mr McVeigh said.